Book the Second, Chapter the Tenth: An Introduction to Soci

[Mr. Handy]

"I was thinking of the one with the black areas that resemble coal," says Henry. "Coal is a known product of Britain, particularly of Wales. While that would still be some distance from home, it is not insurmountable."

[jp1885]

Lepus shrugs. “Aye, ‘tis worth trying.”

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

There being no evident objection to this strategy, the adventurers proceed up the indicated stairway. The way up is not so very difficult, it seems, and is not entirely without its own charms, if one be in a state of mind to appreciate them. To wit, the bits of black stone alternate, once one has attained a certain height, with more colorful small rocks, embedded within the steps. There also appear to be small pieces of highly reflective metal, causing the light of the Illuminator to be reflected upon the stone walls, and broken up into areas of light resembling so many stars.

After some time, wooden pillars appear here and there, standing between the steps and the rock ceiling directly above them. These slow down the rate of progress considerably, although it is possible to work one's way around them. As the adventurers squeeze past these objects, they seem to detect a dull, hollow, knocking sound, seemingly coming from within the stone walls.

[jp1885]

"I think we may be in a mine," suggests Lepus, ducking under a beam. "But who be doing the mining, and for what?"

[SunlessNick]

"It is beautiful," Eliza says, a child-like wonder showing through as she looks at the glittering rocks. "Even if this proves another wrong turn, I shall treasure the memory of seeing it."

[Mr. Handy]

"Indeed," says Henry, admiring the stones. "I was hoping there would be Welshmen mining coal, but it could easily be dwarves mining for diamonds."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

As the adventurers continue to make their way upward, the space growing ever more cramped, so that all must walk bent over, they detect a high-pitched voice, seeming to come from somewhere within the rock itself.

Spoiler:

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The words are entirely unintelligible to Eliza, which is not very surprising, given her short time upon the face of the Earth, but both Doctor North, from his study of the multiple tongues of humanity, and Lepus, from his wanderings throughout Albion, recognize it as Cornish, a language that has nearly disappeared from its ancient homeland. It may be translated thusly, allowing for a certain informality in the original.

'Ware the beams! They falls!

[jp1885]

Lepus hold his hand up to stop the others.

“Hush!” he hisses. “The Knockers be warning us! Yon mine is collapsing!”

He scrambles backwards (leaving a little food behind him in payment to the Knockers if the opportunity allows).

[Mr. Handy]

Henry leads Eliza and Ivan after Lepus. "Maybe we can shore up the beams, if we can find them," he says. "It is a simple matter of physics. It seems we are in Cornwall, or at least under it. Not terribly far from home."

[SunlessNick]

"Perhaps one of the stairways will provide something that can brace them, when coupled with the strength of Ivan and myself," says Eliza. "It was good of them to warn us."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The combined might of the Russian and the Reanimate are sufficient to dig up several large lumps of anthracite from within the staircase and form them into a pile, supporting the beams, which have begun to shift and creak ominously. The attention of the adventurers being drawn elsewhere, understandably, they do not take notice of the fact that the scraps of food left by Lepus have disappeared until well after the fact. When silence once again reigns within the gloomy space, the beams having been secured sufficiently, the selfsame voice is heard again from within the stone wall.

Poor fare, but well intended. Who ventures below, whither bound, and what payment?

[jp1885]

“We be but lost travellers: Lord North, his ward Eliza, manservant Ivan and I, old Lepus. We seek the land of England, be that fair Curnow or elsewhere on her shores. Alas, having wandered far we have no pasties for thee, but we would offer this large nut from the far tropics if it pleases.”

[Mr. Handy]

"I do have a small gemstone that I think you might like," says Henry. He often carries gems, as it's the easiest way to transport wealth. He had previously given one to a French baron and used another to construct his Illluminator, and he is pleased to offer another here. He places it in the same spot where Lepus had left the food.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

There is the sound of multiple persons chattering, too low to be made out. Then, the selfsame voice as previously heard speaks again.

Fair stone is most welcome. This queer foodstuff is unknown to us. Enter, and show how it may be opened.

With that, the gem and nut de coco vanish, as if they had never existed, whilst a pitch black opening, of no great size, but able to permit entry even by Eliza, if she but stoop, appears upon the wall.

[jp1885]

Lepus looks at the others before clambering through the hole.

"Like any nut, it must be cracked open I suppose?"

[SunlessNick]

"Thankyou," says Eliza to the unseen voice.

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, thank you for your hospitality," says Henry, following the others into the opening. "Cracking the coconut open would spill all the milk. The best way to open it is to make a small hole in it, through which you can drink the milk or pour it into a container. Then you can crack open the coconut to get at the delicious solid food inside."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Slowly, much like the rising of a dim sun on a day heavy with clouds, the area beyond the rock wall glows with its own light, although this is hardly sufficient to provide more than a bare minimum of visibility. Illuminated thus, there appear to be several small figures within, about the size of a child beginning to learn its prayers. One of them reaches out with long, thin arms, taking the nut de coco. Withdrawing into conference with others of its kind, there soon after follows the sound of tools being applied to the hard-shelled fruit, then a sort of satisfied slurping and crunching sound. The selfsame figure returns.

Like to fine milk, it say. More!

[jp1885]

Lepus’ eyes narrow, forseeing a constant battle with the monkey to satiate greedy Knockers.

“How many more?” he asks. “‘til thy promise to show us out?”

[Mr. Handy]

"How about if we tell you where to find more?" asks Henry. "All the coconuts you could ever want are up one of the other stairways, back the way we came."